How CHAN is boosting Kenya’s economy
By Paulette Mboga, August 8, 2025Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya says that beyond the goals and cheers expected during the eighth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the tournament carries immense economic benefits. Kicked off on August 2, 2025, in Tanzania, CHAN is poised to boost tourism, hospitality, job creation, and trade, particularly for young people across East Africa.
Kenya is co-hosting the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania from August 2 to August 30, and Mvurya is confident the region will reap significant rewards.
“We have a mandate to work with young people, to help them realise their potential by creating an enabling environment, both through supportive policy and legislation,” he said during a press statement.
Youth opportunities
On match days, businesses boom for local vendors outside stadiums, from replica jerseys to snacks and refreshments. But the benefits go far beyond merchandise. Roles have opened up for stadium ushers, photographers, chauffeurs, caterers, and other short-term gigs, giving young people fresh opportunities to earn and gain experience.
Tourism is also expected to receive a major boost, with visitors anticipated to explore Kenya’s iconic attractions and landmarks between matches. Initially slated for February 1–28, 2025, CHAN was postponed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to August due to infrastructure delays in the host countries. This rescheduling, Mvurya notes, has given Kenya more time to prepare and ensure maximum benefit from the event.
The month-long tournament is expected to energise the hospitality sector, stimulate local trade, and inject new momentum into tourism, further driving economic growth across the region.
Government backing
President William Ruto’s earlier pledge to reward Harambee Stars players at CHAN 2024 underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
The Head of State announced a grand reward scheme: Ksh500,000 for every group-stage draw, Ksh1 million for each win, Ksh60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, Ksh 70 million for the semis, and a staggering Ksh 600 million if the team clinches the championship.
On August 7, 2025, Harambee Stars bagged Ruto’s Ksh500,000 after a draw against Angola. He also fulfilled his promise of Ksh1 million to each of the players of the Harambee Stars after their win against DRC on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
For Mvurya, the combination of economic opportunity and government support makes CHAN not just a football tournament, but a national project with long-term benefits.